Anger of farmers: “No longer being the variable for adjusting purchasing power”, according to the JA and the FDSEA

Hervé Boudon (JA) and Jean-François Maurin (FDSEA). Mr. P

Hervé Boudon, from the Young Farmers (JA), and Jean-François Maurin, from the Departmental Federation of Farmers' Unions (FDSEA), held a press point on the A75, on the sidelines of the blockage on Wednesday January 24, 2024. 

Did the mobilization on the A75 on Wednesday January 24, 2024 meet your expectations ?

We are very satisfied, yes. We estimate that there are more than two hundred people and between sixty and one hundred tractors.

What should the government do to avoid toughening ?

He holds all the cards. But not for three days because we have been mobilized for months and months. Marc Fesneau (Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty) has known our demands for a long time, they have not changed. They tried to save time by asking to replay them but they were on the table. All they had to do was work and provide us with solutions. We are promised announcements at the end of the week. They will have to arrive quickly. We are only asking for this, it is not a solution to block everything.

Also read: Anger of Lozère farmers: a filter dam installed on the A75 motorway near Marvejols

Blocking the highway, is it a last resort ?

Yes and we warned that we would do it. In a correct manner, respecting people and property. But we are capable of being much less so. It must not come to that. We are waiting for announcements at the end of the week.

What are the specific demands for Lozère ?

Sensitive meadows, the new zoning, we need to redefine all of this. We are ready to take the State to court, if necessary. Tension is also the wolf. It reproduces easily. Mount Lozère is becoming the Massif Central reserve. Wet meadows also impact us.

Also read: Anger of farmers: day of mobilization in Lozère on the A75 motorway, update on the situation

Have you made any progress on these topics ?

No, none. Promises to meet, that’s all.

What will happen between now and Friday ?

Announcements arrive at the end of the week. What is certain is that there is an immediate need for cash on farms. We need to reduce standards and burdens. We no longer want to be the variable for adjusting the purchasing power of the French. Everyone must take responsibility, including consumers, by devoting a little more budget to food.